I have notice that many people have the misconception that fake are considered illegal, that fake is a copy, that fake is of inferior quality.
I wonder if most of us know what is legal and what is not.
Take for example electronic gadget like the MP3/4 player, Mobile, PDA etc. There is lots of similar product in the market and many label them as "fake" or even worse "copy".
There are now so many makers of OEM and ODM and this same manufacturers produce goods for Companies that produce Branded product. If this same manufacturer were to produce for a company OEM or ODM product that varies slightly in design, can they be considered making a "fake " or "copy" product.
Most of the product in the market, OEM product included, pay their due or royalty for the use of "proprietary" item or components used in mobile and some sound card. So how can be be consider making "fake"?
There is lots of items in the market now that looks like iPod and branded mobile, but actually have a slight variation in the design, can they be considered as a "fake " also.?
Unless the manufacturer copy a patented design and used the patented Trademark of a brand, will there be a case against these manufacturer.
We buy "original" mainly because of the reputation of the company that carry these branded product. They may have better quality assurance, after sale services, warranty etc. These and many other criterias set branded and non branded item apart. But there is always exception to the rules.
Some OEM product do have good quality control and do give warranty. They may even have good after sales services. And most will have very good pricing. Of course, the more they spent on R and D the higher their price compare to those who do not. But still their price will be better because they for one thing, do not carry higher overhead.
Branded company has to advertise, maintain a good research and legal team, good showroom and promotion. All these costs are factor into their sale price.
Now having consider all these fact, we should be careful how we label a product. They may be similar to certain extend but certainly not "copy" or even "fake", the best you can label them is "clone". You have the right to chose what you want to buy, but there are many company who will have to hang on to the tailcoat of a "branded" prodcut just to survive, so give them a chance. It is good for market competition anyway. Who know, these companies may well be the next generation of Sony or Samsung.
My point raise may be vague and may not totally correct in many aspects. I will like those more knowledgeable contributor to help clarify this matter more and maybe set a more leveled playing ground for manufacturies.
